Project Nigeria part 2: Nigerian Women Shifting African Philanthropy

Project Nigeria – Nigeria is one of the countries in Africa that has a true need for good news and support. Our project will showcase 3 extraordinary events in this country that support making it a better place.

Female Philanthropists Making an Impact

For hundreds of years philanthropy around the world has been dominated by a distinct group that mainly comprised of white males. Think about the good that Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and Bono have all done, especially in Africa in countries like Nigeria. Although this support is well received and continues to make a huge impact on the continent, a new breed of philanthropist is emerging in Nigeria. As the country’s economy is undergoing steady growth, female locals are becoming more involved with the social and economic development of Nigeria.

African Philanthropy is Shifting

There are many ways to support Africa. While Western benefactors often seek out technological advances as solutions to pressing problems, African women altruists have a unique approach to getting the job done. Females take a more focused attitude to philanthropy by funding grassroots initiatives. Three of Nigeria’s most notable female philanthropists are Folorunsho Alakija, Amina Oyagbola and Olajumoke Adenowa.

Folorunsho Alakija Folorunsho Alakija (known as Funso) is a Nigerian business magnate known as the richest woman in Africa, and the richest black woman in the world. Funso is the CEO of the Rose of Sharon Group, a foundation that provides business subsidies to widowed women and orphans. She believes that Nigeria is the so-called ‘land of milk and honey’ and that it’s a country rich in opportunity. Funso’s goal is to help Nigeria achieve its potential.

Amina Oyagbola Amina Oyagbola is not only a veteran Nigerian business woman in the telecoms industry, she is also the founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), which is a not-for-profit initiative aimed at gender empowerment. Amina and WISCAR provide mentoring opportunities to professional women and are revolutionising the status of females in positions of power in Nigeria.

Olajumoke Adenowa Renowned Nigerian architect Olajumoke Adenowa provides funding, entrepreneurship summits and mentorship programmes to help women start their own businesses. While these women are making valuable contributions to the country, the problem is that even with the best intentions – philanthropy in Africa is not always easy, especially for locals.

Roadblocks for Philanthropists

It is not easy for locals to get funding in Nigeria. So unless African altruists are billionaires, it is almost impossible to get financing for projects. There are also no tax incentives in Sub-Saharan Africa. This means that it is cheaper for foreign millionaires to donate to Africans than what it is for locals to help their own people.

Overcoming Obstacles

Despite the stumbling blocks, Nigerian female philanthropists are doing their utmost to support Africa. Their aim is to transform local communities by being closer to the ground. They have the advantage of a unique understanding of problems in Africa because they are immersed in these issues in their daily lives. Because they live where they give, local philanthropists are held accountable for their philanthropic achievements. Perhaps the future of philanthropy in Nigeria should involve foreign philanthropists working with locals to make the ultimate positive change a reality.

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